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Kero, who has been a healthy scratch for the Blackhawks’ last 10 games, hasn’t played since Nov. 12, and will likely be sent down to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs if he clears waivers.

While an official move to replace Kero won’t be announced until he clears waivers, there is a strong possibility that the team will recall forward Vincent Hinostroza from Rockford when a roster spot opens up.

Hinostroza has scored six goals and dished out eight assists in his NHL career, and he has been playing some of his best hockey this season at the AHL level. He has nine goals and 13 assists in 23 games with the IceHogs, and rumblings about his call-up have been going on for quite some time.

Matthew Highmore could also be a possibility, as the winger has 10 goals to lead the team in that category. Tomas Jurco, whom the Blackhawks acquired in a trade last season with the Detroit Red Wings, has se3emingly found his offensive groove as well, with seven goals and eight assists this season.

The Blackhawks have been reluctant to make a roster move because of the waiver status of the non-essential members of their roster. Players like Jordan Oesterle and Kero have to clear waivers in order to be sent to the minors, and the Blackhawks were fearful that those players could be claimed by another team.